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Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Fort Smith, AR

23 affordable buildings in Fort Smith · 7 ZIP codes

Fort Smith, AR has 23 income-restricted buildings across 7 ZIP codes: 18 tax credit, 5 Section 8, 3 senior, and 1 usda rural. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.

In Fort Smith

Programs in Fort Smith

  • Tax credit18 buildings
  • Section 85 buildings
  • Seniors3 buildings
  • USDA rural1 building

ZIP codes in Fort Smith

Nearby cities

Rents and income limits in 72904

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$970/mo
Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
$38,800/yr
Renters in 72904 paying 30% or more of income on rent
48%

Income limits (2026)

Fort Smith, AR-OK area · median family income $76,800. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.

PeopleExtremely low 30%Very low 50%Low 80%
1$16,150$26,900$43,050
2$21,640$30,750$49,200
3$27,320$34,600$55,350
4$33,000$38,400$61,450
5$38,680$41,500$66,400
6$44,360$44,550$71,300
7$47,650$47,650$76,200
8$50,700$50,700$81,150

Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.

Fair market rents (2027)

HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.

Size72904Wider area
Studio$730$741
1 bedroom$740$748
2 bedrooms$970$979
3 bedrooms$1,310$1,324
4 bedrooms$1,610$1,625

Wider area = Fort Smith, AR-OK. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 8 nearby ZIPs range from $960 (72901) to $1,330 (72916).

Census figures for 72904 (2020–2024 average): median rent $842. Median household income $41,909. 47% of homes are rented. 48% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 25% pay half or more.

Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.

Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.

Estimate your Section 8 rent share

Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 72904's fair market rent.

Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 72904

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there Section 8 housing in Fort Smith, AR?

Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Fort Smith, AR, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.

Do affordable housing buildings in Fort Smith, AR have openings?

These lists for Fort Smith, AR don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.

How do I apply for affordable housing in Fort Smith, AR?

Use the phone number on each building card in Fort Smith, AR. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.

What counts as affordable housing in Fort Smith, AR?

In Fort Smith, AR, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.

How many affordable housing buildings are in Fort Smith, AR?

This directory lists 23 income-restricted buildings in Fort Smith, AR. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.

Which ZIP codes in Fort Smith have affordable housing?

Income-restricted buildings in Fort Smith are listed in 72904 (9), 72901 (5), 72908 (4), 72903 (2), 72902 (1), 72913 (1), 72916 (1).

People Also Ask

How do I qualify for affordable housing in Fort Smith, AR?

Most income-restricted buildings in Fort Smith, AR serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $26,900, and $38,400 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($43,050 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.

What is the income limit for low-income housing in Fort Smith, AR?

For many programs in Fort Smith, AR, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $26,900 a year for 1 person and $38,400 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $43,050 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Fort Smith, AR?

There is no single waiting list for Fort Smith, AR. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Fort Smith, AR?

Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Fort Smith, AR. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.

How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Fort Smith, AR?

In public housing and most Section 8 in Fort Smith, AR, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Fort Smith, AR is $970 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Fort Smith, AR?

A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Fort Smith, AR. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.

Is there senior affordable housing in Fort Smith, AR?

Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Fort Smith, AR. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.

Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; USDA Rural Development multifamily, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.

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